The uniform of a Tokubetsu Jonin was identical to that of a Chunin, the only difference being in title and role. Being promoted to Jonin meant becoming a team leader—but with the Ninja Preparatory Division undergoing reorganization, would there even be a need for squad leaders anymore?
Thinking it through, it seemed pretty much the same to him either way.
Whether they were needed or not, he would still have to guide those fresh Genin graduates. It didn't feel all that different.
Suddenly, he realized why they had given him this Tokubetsu Jonin title.
The responsibility still fell on the training instructors!
"It all ties together. That sly old man really knows how to play his cards."
Akaba's feelings were mixed, but he quietly accepted the decision.
"Do Chunin have to go on missions?"
Orochimaru's focus lay elsewhere. Buried deep in his research lately, he definitely didn't want to be suddenly reassigned for mission work.
Ever since his laboratory shifted from Anbu into public view, he had become far more direct in speech and conduct.
"If you make sufficient contributions, you can be exempt from missions,"
The Third replied calmly.
The Third had his own headaches too.
Of the three, Sakumo was relatively obedient. The other two were problematic and hard to control. He hadn't known much about Orochimaru before, but now he was obsessively immersed in his studies, even forgetting to sleep.
Orochimaru paused, then asked, "Do the Sound ninja tools I designed based on manga count as contributions?"
"Of course. As long as you produce research results, you'll enjoy privileges."
The Third explained.
"In that case, does my [Mist Phantom Scene] count too?"
Akaba's eyes lit up.
If used skillfully, the Mist Phantom Scene technique could prove extremely useful against Kiri ninja, certainly a significant contribution.
The Third paused mid-motion with his pipe stem, visibly reluctant. This guy really did know how to exploit every opportunity and wedge himself in wherever possible.
Still, he had no choice but to nod slightly and say, "Yes."
Deep down, the Third had prepared himself for Akaba to request mission exemptions—but instead:
"I'd like to apply for an assistant to help me with training duties."
Akaba stated.
"Assistant?"
The Third sat down, thinking for a moment before asking, "Who did you have in mind?"
"Nara Loe."
Akaba immediately thought of Loe. Although that kid might be somewhat lazy, his capabilities and punctuality were highly commendable, making him the ideal assistant candidate.
"Loe is still a Genin. Don't waste his potential."
The Third said discontentedly.
"Alright then, how about Shinku Yuhi?"
Akaba suggested as a compromise.
While Shinku Yuhi wasn't quite as capable in handling affairs, her overall strengths were better, plus she showed talent for genjutsu, making her suitable for eventually taking over parts of illusion-based training.
"Shinku Yuhi..."
The Third hesitated.
This was because the Uchiha faction also wanted Shinku Yuhi, and he himself believed her genjutsu and sensory reconnaissance skills made her perfect for the Military Police. In the future, she could serve as a key asset, quietly placed within the force under the Hokage's authority as a plant.
Therefore, at heart, he was unwilling to assign her to Akaba as an assistant.
That would be a terrible misuse of her talents.
"Still unacceptable?"
Akaba felt a bit upset but quickly understood upon reflection.
Grouping Shinku Yuhi with Shinnosuke and Nightdance clearly demonstrated the higher-ups' recognition of his talent and capabilities.
Having a genius work under you really is pushing it a bit.
There was practically nothing to begin with.
Since the initial requests couldn't be fulfilled, subsequent ones became easier to meet.
Akaba feigned hesitation and said, "But the Preparatory Division is short-staffed in its early stage. It's hard for just me to handle everything alone. How about this—Loe, Yizhong, and Take Yamano are all Genin. They can join the Preparatory Division for training, and Loe can serve as this year's class leader to assist me."
"Class leader?"
The Third hesitated for several seconds before gradually understanding Akaba's intent.
This was a roundabout way to get what he wanted.
What a sly brat—always cooking up schemes in that head of his.
He puffed on his pipe, finally nodding with reluctance. "Alright then. I'll leave the affairs of the Preparatory Division in your hands."
"No problem. Anyway, Orochimaru will have to contribute too."
Akaba said with a bright smile.
"Huh?"
Orochimaru pointed at himself in confusion.
What did this have to do with him?
Sakumo remained silent with eyes lowered, pretending not to notice. As a teammate, he instantly saw through the situation.
Akaba was scheming again—passing the burden onto others to lighten his own load.
Of course, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
It wasn't just about dodging work—it was usually harmless enough. The key was that whenever Akaba proposed something, it often triggered a chain of quirky ideas no one could refuse.
"We've decided to incorporate the Research Institute into the Preparatory Division, and Orochimaru, you'll serve as its director."
Orochimaru blinked in surprise. He never expected to be given such a role.
Thinking back, there really weren't many others in Konoha dedicated to research—just him, really.
Oh right, Tsunade had recently joined.
"Ninjutsu research is our primary productive force. Some Genin show promise in research-related areas. If any such talents exist among the Genin, I hope they can be transferred to the Research Institute for proper cultivation."
No surprises there.
Sakumo wasn't shocked at all, but he sensed a hint of unease. Judging from Akaba's current moves, it seemed likely he himself wouldn't escape being dragged into this mess.
"Hmm, acceptable."
The Third thought carefully but found no issues.
Indeed, some ninja were far better suited for researching techniques and tools than for frontline combat or mission-based tasks.
Akaba's logic made perfect sense.
Orochimaru groaned inwardly—this was definitely going to pile more work on him.
"Oh, by the way, the Hatake family dojo sounds interesting. I think the Preparatory Division should establish a similar dojo specifically for training purposes."
Akaba continued enthusiastically.
This time, however, the Third interrupted with a cough before he could finish speaking: "Akaba, things must progress step by step. The Genin already have too much to learn; their energy is limited. Don't add unnecessary burdens."
"Master, with all due respect, that mindset won't cut it. Train hard now, bleed less later. Learning more is always beneficial."
"We'll hold off on the dojo discussion for now. Focus first on establishing the basics properly."
The Third sighed painfully.
With all these new classes popping up out of nowhere, where were they even supposed to find so many well-rounded ninjas?
Akaba felt deeply regretful.
Failing to push forward advanced training would be a huge blow to Konoha's future strength.
At the same time, Sakumo let out a quiet sigh of relief.
If that dojo actually got built, he'd be doomed!
He hasn't even mastered the Dual-Blade Style yet—how can he possibly find time to help Akiba train students?
"Let's put Sakumo's situation on hold for now. We'll observe further before deciding where you're going," said the Third, handing down the booklets he held.
It was labeled "Chunin Code of Conduct"—containing descriptions of chunin duties and regulations.
After handing them out, he waved his hand to send everyone off.
As they walked out of the office, Orochimaru shot him a resentful glare. "You're busy yourself, yet still pass the work onto me? How amusing."
"Erm, cultivating the next generation for Konoha—we should all contribute effort. Besides, if you train some assistants, it would also make your own job easier."
"I don't need that. I've got shadow clones and snakes."
Orochimaru replied grumpily.
Finally having obtained a research institute, he might end up stuck with a bunch of burdensome newcomers in the future.
"Shadow clones impose considerable strain upon the user. Training assistants is actually a good choice."
Sakumo expressed strong agreement.
Akiba continued persuasively, "The Research Institute cannot forever remain a one-man operation. It's inevitable that we take this step eventually. Rather than wait for outsiders assigned by the village, better to cultivate your own people. Once you nurture the first generation, then subsequent students can be directly placed under their guidance."
"Hmm… there's truth to what you say."
Orochimaru pondered briefly—perhaps it really was so.
The research facility was huge; obviously, it wouldn't truly serve only him or Tsunade and a handful of others. Eventually, the village would force more personnel inside anyway.
Imposed outsiders were never as reliable as homegrown talent.
After exiting the administration building, they found a crowd gathered outside.
Most were villagers, along with some freshly promoted genin and ungraduated children.
"Everyone move along, it's just another promotion ceremony! Haven't you all heard? The new Naruto manga update just dropped. Don't you think reading comics is more fun than watching this?"
Akiba shouted loudly while scanning the crowd.
That counts as advertisement?
Orochimaru was stunned—he'd clearly stumbled across a marketing genius.
"Hey Akiba, what chapter did it update today?"
"Is it shocking again? On my way here, I saw Sakuma Yunlang put up those banners."
Instantly, laughter erupted from the crowd.
"Today's update includes chapters sixty-one through sixty-five—get ready for some seriously epic plot twists!"
Akiba continued shouting, his expression unfazed.
Sakuma Yunlang admittedly lacked promotional insight today. Those banner slogans were all in the exact same format: *uc_Shock_Department*.
Nevertheless, it worked somewhat—many kids immediately rushed toward the manga shop.
"Now that I think about it, it's been quite some time since I last read Naruto."
Originally intending to return for training, Sakumo changed his mind and accompanied Akiba heading toward the manga store.
"Orochimaru, why don't you just go home and sleep?"
Akiba advised gently.
His pale, exhausted face worried everyone who looked at him.
"I'm fine."
Orochimaru insisted stubbornly he remained alert—but already staggered unsteadily while walking.
Sakumo exchanged glances with Akiba, sighing wordlessly.
No more words needed—Akiba knocked him out cold directly.
"I'll have a clone carry him back home."
Shige knew Akaba was tied up with other matters, so he proactively created a Multiple Shadow Clone to send the unconscious Orochimaru back home.
Orochimaru's house wasn't far—it was just a short distance away.
Akaba went with Sakumo's original body toward the manga shop. Sakumo didn't mention his plan to challenge "Zoro," probably because he wasn't confident about it.
He'd been pondering the Three Thousand Realms technique all day without figuring out a countermeasure. He accompanied Akaba hoping to discuss it but hadn't brought it up even by the time they reached the manga shop.
Upon reaching the manga shop, Akaba, as usual, decided to rest for a while first.
Sakumo had last read up to chapter fifty. Since there were many missing plots, he asked Sakuma Yunlang to bring him the earlier manga books, paid for them, and then sat down to read alone.
He felt surprised by Orochimaru's storyline, but swiftly flipped through that part.
His reading pace only slowed when Gaara appeared.
"This Sand Control ability is somewhat different from Sankai's—is this a Jinchuriki of The One-Tail?"
Sakumo mused inwardly.
Previously, he had really wanted to fight Sankai, but since Sunagakure pulled out, their battle never happened. He had felt regretful even after returning to his village.
Precisely because of that, he also learned something about Sunagakure's situation, including the power of Shukaku, the One-Tail.
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